Apparatus for sealing containers



April 1944- H. E. STOVER 2,346,118

APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 8, 1941 s Shets-Sheet 1 I Fig. 2

INVENTOR Harry E. Siovan ATTORNEYS April 4, 1944. H E. STOVER APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 8, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 1 i IUQRWLMW lllr INVENTOR Harry E. Si'over.

xM A ORNEYS April 4, 1944. H. E. STOVER I APPARATUS FOR .SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 8, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Harry E. Sfovcr:

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BY M, 7%.L71/M ATTORNEYS April 4, 1944. H. E. STOVER APPARATUS FOR SEAL ING CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 8, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 I v c 5 w ME RN a m N Jro J E m u m" n n m u n n v m B u m H u u, m u :9 .w m n u un uflw nh 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Harry E. Sfover H. E. STOVER APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed NOV. 8, 1941 mxxgi April 4, 1944.

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BY W, 7pL7v 7MZL ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 4, 1944 APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Harry E. Stover, Connellsville, Pa... aasignor to anchor Hocking Glass Corporation, Lancaster, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Application November 8, 1941, Serial No. 418,401

lid Claims.

My invention relates to an apparatus for sealing containers. It has to do, more particularly, with an apparatus for applying closures to containers, such as food containers and including jars, bottles, cans, et cetera, and sealing them on the containers and for producing a partial vacuum in the upper ends of the containers.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Serial No. 349,655, filed August 2, 1940, and which matured into Patent No. 2,321,779, June 15, 1943. In the said Patent No. 2,321,779 I disclose apparatus for applying closures to and sealing them on various containers. The apparatus is disposed in superimposed relationship to a continuously-moving conveyer upon which the filled containers are placed at random. The apparatus may include a cap feeding and applying unit where caps or other closures are loosely positioned on the upper ends of containers moved into association therewith by the conveyer. Directly adjacent this unit a sealing unit is provided. The conveyor moves the containers with caps loosely applied thereto, into association with a sealing head forming a part of the sealing unit. The sealing head is spaced slightly above the upper ends of the containers and fluid-actuated means is associated therewith for forcing it downwardly whenever a container having a cap properly associated therewith, moves beneath the sealing head, a control arrangement is provided for starting operation of the sealing head at the proper instant.

The present invention deals with improvements in the operating mechanism for moving the sealingphead between its upper non-sealing position and its lower sealing" position. It also deals with improvements in the control mechanism which initiates and controls movement of the sealing trolling movement of the sealing head I provide a control mechanism in which the trigger mechanism of Patent No. 2,321,779 is eliminated The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure l is a side elevational view of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of themachine shown in Figure 1. i

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Figure l and showing th sealing head unit.

Figure 4 is 4 a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 4-6 of Figure 2 illustrating the sealing head unit and its operating mechanism.

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view .taken substantially along line 5--5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line t-t 01 Figure 3 showing the means for lifting thecap beiore the container moves beneath the sealing head.

Figure 7 is a horizontal'sectional view taken substantially along line 'l-l of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a detail, partly in perspective and partly in vertical section, of the lower portion of the plunger which carries the sealing head.

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view oi the valve which is used for controlling operation or the sealing head, the valve being shown in its normal position. 4

Figure 19 is a similar view but showing the valve in its operative position.

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure '7 but showing a modified form of valve.

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 8 but showing the modified form of valve.

With reference to the drawings, I have illustrated a machine which comprises generally a conveyer unit l, a cap-feeding and app ying unit 2 and a sealing head unit 3.

The conveyor unit I may be of any suitable type. For example, it may be of the type disclosed in the co-pending application of William D. Bell on Apparatus for sealing containers, Serial No. 314,299, filed January 17, 1940. However, it is to be understood that my apparatus may be associated with any suitable type of conveyer unit. The conveyor unit preferably embodies means for continuously moving the containers into proper association with the units 2 and 3, including mean for centering the containers relative to said units. The cap-feeding and applying unit 3 may be of the type disclosed in my co-pending application Serial My invention is not limited to use with any particular type of container and cooperating cap but ior illustrative purposes I have shown in Figure 5 a container 4 adapted to receive the cap 5 on its upper end. This cap preferably embodies a substantially disk-like portion 3 which has a depending annular skirt 1 which carries an annular gasket 8 therewithin. When the cap is forced downwardly onto the upper end of the container, the frictional contact of the gasket with the upper end of the container will aid in maintaining the cap in position and will seal the cap on the container.

The containers 4 are placed indiscriminately on ily associated with any suitable type of conveyer the conveyer and are moved in the direction of the arrows (Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6) by the conveyer. The containers are centered thereon in the manner described in said co-pending application Serial No. 814,299. They are first carried to the cap-feeding and applying unit 2. This unit is of such a type that it will apply a cap loosely to the upper end of the container. After the container passes the unit 2,- it passes to the sealing head unit 3. This sealing head unit 3 is adapted to displace the air from the head space and to sterilize 2 such space and the cap before the sealing operation.

The units 2 and 3 are disposed directly adjacent each other. They are both supported by a horizontally disposed plate 9. The plate 9 is supported at a point spaced above the conveyor unit I by means of four vertically disposed nonrotatable posts III two of which are disposed at the left-hand corners of the plate (Figure 1) and the other two of which are spaced a sub- 3 stantial distance from the right-hand end of the plate. Each of these posts It is provided with a base portion II on its lower end which is suitably secured, as by screw bolts Ila, to a portion of the conveyer unit I. The upper portion of each of these posts is threaded, as indicated at l2. Each of the posts has an internally threaded worm gear I3 mounted on the threaded portion I2 thereof. Each of these worm gears is disposed within a socket formed in the plate 9. Formed integral with the left-hand end of plate 9 is a pair of bearing lugs I4 (Figure 2). Formed integral with the plate 9 adjacent its opposite end is a pair of bearing portions I5. The pair of bearing portions I5 rotatably support a horizontally disposed worm shaft I6. The pair of bearing lugs I4 at the other end of the plate 9 rotatably support a horizontally disposed worm shaft I'I. Each of the worm shafts I6 and I1 carries a pair of worms I8 which engage the adjacent worm gears I3. The worm shaft I1 is provided with an angular end for receiving a crank I9 by means of which it may be rotated. In order to rotate the shaft I6 simultaneously with the shaft I1, the shaft I1 is provided on its opposite end with a sprocket keyed thereon. This sprocket has a chain 2I passing therearound which also passes around a sprocket 22 keyed on the corresponding end of the shaft I6.

Thus, it will be apparent that when the shaft I I is rotated, the shaft I 6 will be rotated simultaneously and to the same extent. Consequently, by rotating shaft II, all of the worm gears I3 will be caused to rotate. Since these gears are threaded on the posts I0, they will be moved vertically on the posts. Furthermore, since the gears ar in engagement with surfaces of the plate 9, the plate 9 will be moved vertically in accordance with the vertical movement of the gears. Thus. the plate 9 may be adjusted vertically to position the units 2 and 3 at the proper height above the conveyer unit, depending upon the height of the containers to be sealed. It will be noted that all portions of my apparatus are carried by the plate 9. Consequently, it is in the unit.

The sealing head unit 3 is illustrated best in Figures 1 to 8. It comprises a vertically disposed cylindrical housing portion 23, which has a base portion 24 that is bolted by means of bolts 24a to the upper surface of the plate 9. Beneath the base portion 24 (Figure 4), the plate 9 is provided with a large opening 25, in order to permit vertical movement of the sealing head 26. This sealing head embodies a substantially cylindrical portion of non-magnetic metal which is carried on the lower end of a plunger 21 which fits tight- Ly within housing 23 for vertical reciprocation therein.

The sealing head 26 is provided with a recess 23 in its upper surface which receives the lower end of the plunger 21. The plunger carries an enlarged portion 29 (Figures 4 and 8) on its lower end which limits its upward movement by contacting with the lower end of housing 23. This enlarged portion 29 is notched on one side to provide a fiat vertical surface 29a (Figure 8) with which a flat vertical surface of an aligning block 29b cooperates. Block 29b is disposed within opening 25 and is bolted to plate 9 by bolts 290. The block serves to prevent rotation of plunger 2'! and also to maintain a perpendicular stroke of the plunger. However, a key and spline arrangement may be provided for this purpose, if desired. The notch in portion 29 with which block 29b cooperates is of suflicient height to permit proper reciprocation of the plunger 21 without interference with block 29b. The plunger 21 is provided with a vertically disposed bore 30 (Figures 4 and 8) which has an interiorly threaded lower end that receives the threaded upper portion of a bolt 3|. This bolt passes upwardly through a, centrally disposed opening 32 in member 26 which is enlarged at its lower end to receive the head 33 of the bolt 3|. The bolt 3| will maintain the head 26 in position on the lower end of the plunger 21. The lower portion of plunger 21 which fits into recess 28 of member 26 has its one side flattened, as indicated at 29d (Figure 8), to prevent rotation of member 26 on the member 21.

In order to normally maintain the plunger 21 in its uppermost position I provide the following structure. A pin 35 (Figure 4) is carried by the housing portion 23 and extends transversely thereof and through a vertically disposed slot 36 formed in the plunger 21. A compression spring 31 has its lower end resting on this pin 35 and its upper end engaging with the upper end of the bore 30. Thus, this spring 31 normally tends to force the plunger 21 upwardly until the enlarged portion 29 thereof contacts with the lower end of the housing portion 23.

Threaded into a collar 38, bolted by bolts 38a to the upper end of the housing portion 23, is a threaded sleeve 39 which has an integral handwheel portion 39a. This sleeve 39 has a plunger 40 mounted therein for slidable vertical movement. This plunger has an enlarged portion 4| on its lower end which fits tightly within the housing portion 23 for vertical movement therein. Between the lower end of the threaded sleeve 39 and the upper surface of the portion 4| and in surrounding relationship to the plunger 40, is a compression spring 42. The spring 42 normally forces the plunger 40 downwardly. The upper end of the plunger 40 is threaded, as indicated at 45, and receives a threaded collar 46 which bears against the upper end of the sleeve 39. The colform of a unitary structure which may be readlar 46 may be rotated on the threaded portion 46 piston rod I! is moved to the right (Figure 4),

oi plunger 4l'so as to adjust plunger 40 axially through sleeve 89 and thereby properly locate the lower end of the plunger relative to the wedge member 49 described hereinafter. is normally prevented from turning by means of a set screw 46a having its lower unthreaded end extending for siidable vertical movement into any oil a series of openings in the upper end of sleeve 39. To changethe downward force exerted by spring-42 on the plunger, the sleeve 38 may be rotated in the collar 38 to change the distance between the upper end of portion 4| and the lower edge 01' the sleeve 39. When sleeve 39 is rotated, collar 46 is moved therewith because oi screw 46a. Therefore, the position otthreaded portion 45 oi! plunger Ml in sleeve 39 is not changed. The threaded sleeve 39 may be held in any adjusted position by means of a spring pressed plunger 48 extending through collar 38. dollar dB is provided with a socket 46b for receiving a tool by means of which it may be rotated- Plunger an is prevented from rotating in housing 23 by the key 40a carried by the plunger db and extending into a vertical slot or keyway in member 23.

it will be apparent that the plungers an and 2'9 are disposed in axial alignment. It will also be apparent that the lower end of the plunger tit is spaced above the upper end of plunger 21. The lower end of plunger do is bifurcated (Figures 4 and 5) and carries a roller 5a which projects beyond the extreme lower end thereof. The upper end of the plunger ii is also bifurcated and carries a roller 52 which projects beyond the extreme upper end thereof. Between the rollers 50 and 52 a wedge member as is disposed. This wedge member ta extends through oppositely disposed vertical slots 5i and bio formed in the wall of housing 233 The wedge member 49 is adapted to be reciprocated. The wedge member d9 comprises a narrow outer end portion 53 .which has a straight upper edge joined to the straight upper edge of an inner wide portion 54 by means of a sharply curved edge portion 55. The lower edge of portion as has a beveled outer portion 33a and a straight portion 53!) which is Joined to the wider portion 56 of the wedge member by means of it gradually inclined edge portion dds.

The wedge member M is formed on the outer end of a piston rod 56. The slots 5! and Ella in the housing at are of suflicient heightto permit the required vertical movement or the wedge member 439. The wedge member 49 is normally in the position indicated in Figure 4 with its outer end projecting through the slot 5! a substantial distance. Below this outer end 53 oi'the wedge member I provide a bumper or cushioning member M. This member comprises a plunger, disposed in a extension 2317 of housing 23, which is normally forced upwardly by means 01' a compression spring 51a which surrounds it and which is disposed within portion 23b. The spring normal- 1y keeps the upper end of member 51 above the housing portion 23?). This upper end carries a roller blc. Lock nuts 51b threaded on the lower end of member 51 serve as adiustable stop members for limiting the uppermost position 01' member bl.

The actuating mechanism for the sealing head 26 is normally in the position illustrated in Figure 4. The plunger 40 will be held in its lowermost position by the spring 42. The plunger 21 will be held in its uppermost position by the spring 31.

a The wedge member 49 will be in the position illustrated in Figure 4. It will be apparent that it the The collar 48 the wedge member 49 will exert a wedging action between the rollers 50 and 52. The spring will be or such strength that normally it will not be compressed by this wedging action. Consequently, the plunger 21 will be forced downwardly against the action oi the spring 31 and, therefore, will force the sealing head 28 downwardly. Movement of wedge member 49 to the right will cause its outer end 53 to swing downwardly as the sealing head and plunger 21 are forced downwardly. When the member 48 reaches the end of its stroke in this direction, the outer end 53 of member 49 will contact with the roller 51c 01 bumper 51 and will be cushioned by the bumper.

As soon as the piston rod 56 moves to the left, the spring 31 will return member 28 to its uppermost position. The spring-pressed plunger 30 is provided to limit the downward force exerted on the plunger 21 to a predetermined maximum, so as to prevent injury to the container being sealed. This predetermined maximum is determined by the initial adjustment of the distance between the lower end of sleeve 38 and the portlon M of plunger til, which varies the downward force exerted by the spring 42. When the downward force created by the wedge member so on the plunger 21! reaches the predetermined maximum, the plunger it will be forced upwardly against the resistance of the spring 42 since member t6 will move upwardly relative to member 39 but the lower end of screw ilta will still extend into the opening in member 39. Consequently, the pressure exerted on plunger 21 will not be excessive. Adjusting the plunger unit 40 vertically by means of the member dd, as previously described, will vary the extent of the downward movement of the plunger 21. and, consequently, oi the member 26. Thus, the extent of the downward movement of member it may be readily adjusted.

For controlling movement ot the piston rod 56, I provide the mechanism now to be described. This mechanism comprises a fluid-operated cylinder and piston unit at. This unit 59 includes a housing 590 which has a large cylinder bore it formed in its upper portion and a small cylinder bore ti formed in its lower portion. The bores at and at are horizontally disposed and are parallel with each other. The housing 59a is mounted on the upper surface of the plate 9 directly adjacent the housing 23. It is provided with a flattened lower surface which rests on the upper surface of plate 9. To secure the housing 59a to the housing 23, the lower portion of housing 23 is provided with upwardly projecting lugs 23a (Figure 7), through which bolts 52 pass. Bolts 62 have their ends threaded into .the housing 591; and spacers 63 are provided on the bolts. A bolt 65 (Figure 4) is passed horizontally through an upstanding lug 66 on the housing 59a and has its outer end threaded into a boss on the housing portion 23, as at 61. A spacer 68 is provided on the bolt 65. Thus, it will be apparent that the housing 23 is held firmly in position with reference to housing 59a.

The bore has a hollow piston 69 slidably mounted therein. The inner end of the piston rod 56 (Figures 4 and 7) is pivotally connected to piston 69 by means of a. wrist pin I0. This pin 10 extends transversely through an opening in rod 58 into bosses Ha formed on the interior of the piston. In order to take the thrust of rod 56 from pin 10, a member 56a is provided. This member 56a has a concave socket or notch 56b.

formed in its inner end which receives the convex inner end 560 of the rod 56. Thus, rod 58 will bear against member 56a which will take the thrust from the pin I8. The member 56a has a pin extension 56d which extends through an opening in the closed or inner end of piston 69. A nut 18a is threaded on this extension 58d and holds the member 56a in position. The nut further serves to hold a lock washer 18b in a recess formed in the closed end of piston 69. The washer 18b will contact with the inner surface of the head II, disposed at the left-hand end of housing 59a, in order to keep the end of the piston spaced from this head. The head II is provided with an opening in which nut 18a is disposed when piston 69 is in the position shown in Figure 4. Over this opening a spacer member 56 is disposed. This spacer member slidably receives the extension 56d. IA cap 56] is disposed over extension 56d and is secured to head II by bolts I Ib which also secure spacer member 56e thereto. A compression spring 56g surrounds extension 56d and has one end'bearing against member 56a. The other end bears against a collar 56h which is loosely disposed on pin extension 56d. This collar bears against shoulder 56i formed on the inner surface of cap 56). Nuts 56 are carried on the outer end of extension 58d. When piston 69 moves to the right, as it nears the end 01' its stroke, nuts 567' will contact collar 56h and spring 569 will be compressed, serving as a, cushion or buffer. When the washer 18b becomes worn by-contact with the inner surface of head II, it may be removed readily and be replaced. Thus, the inner end of piston rod 56 is pivotally connected to piston 69 so that swinging movement of wedge 49 will be permitted during its reciprocation.

A cap I2 is bolted to the other end of the housing 59a and is provided with an opening I4. The piston rod 56 passes inwardly through this opening into the interior of the bore 60. The opening I4 is larger than the piston rod 56 so as to permit limited movement of the piston rod therein. A compression spring TI is disposed within the bore 68 in surrounding relationship to the rod 56. One end of the spring bears against a flanged washer I3 which is disposed in a recess formed in cap I2 while the opposite end bears against a shoulder I8 which is formed on rod 56. It will be apparent that this spring normally tends to force the piston 69 to the left so that the washer 18b contacts with the head II. When piston 69 is moved to the right (Figure 4) it will move the wedge 49 to the right until the sharply curved portion 55 reaches roller 58. This sharply curved portion will then serve to interrupt movement of rod 56 and wedge 49 and, consequently, the piston 69. The curved portion 55 is so located that it will prevent the right-hand end of piston 69 from contacting with the head I2.

I preferably employ steam as the fluid for moving the piston 69 from the position indicated in Figure 4. The housing 59a has a steam jacket 88 formed in the wall thereof and extending completely around the housing. A main steam line 8| (Figures 2 and 5) is adapted to convey steam into this jacket. This jacket serves to prevent or decrease condensation of the steam within the housing 59a. The jacket also serves as a source of supply for operating the sealing mechanism, as will later appear. The line 8| is connected to a suitable source of supply in a manner to be described.

The bore 6| has a piston type valve 82 mounted for axial movement therein, as shown best in Fig- 76 ures 4, 9 and 10. This piston valve 82 is adapted to control the supply of steam to and exhaust of steam from the cylinder bore 68. Intermediate its ends the piston valve 82 is provided with an annular chamber 83 and at its extreme ends the piston valve 82 is provided with projecting portions 84. An exhaust and inlet opening 85 is provided in the wall of 'the bore 6| intermediate the ends thereof and communicates witha longitudinal passageway 81. Opening 86 is always in communication with annular chamber 83. The passageway 81 has one erid communicating with an opening 88 which leads into the cylinder bore 68 adjacent the head 'II. The opposite end of the passageway 81 communicates with an opening 89 which leads through th wall of the bore 68. A longitudinally extending groove 98 is formed in the periphery of the piston 69. When the piston 69 is in the position indicated in Figure 9, the opening 88 will be closed by piston 69 and will not be in communication with a passageway '90, formed in the wall of bore 68, but when the piston 69 moves to the position indicated in Figure 10, the groove 98 will be in such a position that it will connect opening 89 to passageway 89a. The opening 89 is uncovered by piston 69 when it is in the position shown in Figure 10.

At spaced points in the wall of the bore 6| an inlet opening 9| and an outlet opening 9Ia are formed. The inlet opening 9| is connected to an opening 92 leading from the steamjacket 88. The opening 9Ia leads to the atmosphere. With piston valve 82 in the position shown in Figure 9, the annular chamber 83 is in communication with exhaust opening 9Ia and piston 82 covers opening 9|. With piston 82 in the position indicated in Figure 10, chamber is in communication with inlet opening 9| and exhaust opening 9Ia is covered by the piston.

With the piston 82 in the position indicated in Figure 9, steam will exhaust from the lefthand end of the cylinder bore 68, through opening 88, passage 81, opening 85, annular chamber 83, and exhaust opening 9Ia. The piston 82, when in the position indicated in Figure 9, will cover the inlet opening 9|. Consequently, steam will not be supplied to the cylinder bore 68.

For controlling movement of the piston valve 82, I provide a valve mounted in an extension 94 of the housing 59a. This extension is preferably of the shape shown in Figure 4 but is shown diagrammatically in Figures 9 and 10. A cylindrical bore 96 is formed in the main portion of the extension 94. The bore 96 receives a piston 91, which is mounted for axial movement therein. The ends of the piston are provided with extension 98 and 98a which serve as stops for contacting the ends of .bore 96. The piston 91 has a large central annular chamber 99 iorm'ed therein and small annular chambers I88 and |8I formed therein adjacent the ends thereof. A steam passageway I83 connects the steam chamber 88 at all times to the annular chamber 99 formed in the piston 97. An exhaust passageway I84 connects the bore 96 to the atmosphere. Spaced passageways I85 and I86 communicate with the bottom side of the bore 96 and, when the piston 91 is in the position indicated in Figure 9, the portion I81 of the piston covers the end of passageway I06 while the end of passageway I85 communicates with the chamber 99 in the piston. These passageways I85 and I86 are connected to a passageway I88 which is connected to the lefthand end of the cylinder bore 6|. Axially spaced passageways I89, H8 and II I communicate with the bore 99 and, when the piston 91 is in the position indicated in Figure 9, the portion lll'la thereof covers the end oipassageway I09, the passageway llil communicates with the annular chamber 99 of the piston 91, and the passageway Ill communicates with annular chamber Illa formed at the right-hand end of bore 99. The passageway I09 is connected to a passageway 2 which is connected to the right-hand end of the bore Gland which has its end closed by projection 8| on piston 82. The passagewaysl l and ii I are connected together by a passageway 2a which is controlled by a needle valve ll2b threaded into housing portion 94. An exhaust passageway Ma. leads from the right-handend of bore iii to the atmosphere. An exhaust passageway lllb leads from the right-hand end of bore 96 and is always in communication with chamber Illa.

- It will be apparent that with the piston 91 in the position indicated in Figure 9, steam will flow from the chamber 89, through the passageway l03,'through annular chamber 99 of piston communicates with the leit-hand end of bore a.

This, will iorcethe piston 91 from the position indicated in 10 into the position indicated in'Figure 9 provided passage lllb is vented in a manner described hereinafter.

when the piston 91 is moved to the left (Figure 10), the piston 99 is moved to the right, as described above. However, as soon as the piston 99 movessufliciently the piston 91 will be returned to its original position by steam pressure, as described above. The piston 99 will be returned to its original position, shown in Figure 9, by the force of spring 11.

For moving the valve piston 91 from the position, indicated in Figure 9, in order to movev the piston 69 and, consequently, the sealing wedge member 49, I provide the arrangement now to be described. Thisarrangement is'lllustrated in Figures 4 and 8 and diagrammatically in Figures all, through passageways I05 and I09, to theleft-hand end of the bore El, and will force the piston 82 to the right. At the same time, any steam inthe right-hand end of the bore 61 will exhaust through passageway i940. Thus, the inlet opening 9i will be covered by the piston 82, while the exhaust opening am will be uncovered. Consequently, steam from the left-hand endoi the cylinder bore til will exhaust through the opening 88, passageway 81, opening, chamber 99 and exhaust opening 9la.- Thus, the spring ill will be permitted to return the piston 69 to the position indicated in Figure 4.

However, if the piston 97! is moved to the left, as indicated in Figure 10, steam will be supplied to the left-hand end of the cylinder bore 69 to move the piston '59 to the right. It will be apparent that when the piston 91 is moved to the left, steam will flow from the passageway ltd, through the annular chamber 99 in piston 9i, through the passageway Hi9, through passageway HE and will unseat portion 84 of piston 82 from the end of passageway H2, which will cause the piston 82 to move to the left. Thereafter, steam entering bore ti through passageway H2 will exhaust through passage lMa. Some of the steam entering chamber 99 through passage Hi9 will flow through passage lid, passage Il2a, passage lll, chamber llla into passage l l lb which will be closed at this time in a manner to be referred to later. The steam in the left-hand endof the bore 6i, upon movement to the left of piston 82, will exhaust through the passageway lll8, through passageway M6 (the end of passageway I05 being closed by the portion ll of piston 97 at this time) through chamber I09 and through passageway it to the atmosphere. When the piston 82 is moved to the position indi-' cated in Figure 10, the inlet opening 9i is uncovered while the exhaust opening 9la is covered.-

9 and 10. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, I provide a tube llli which has its upper and clamped to housing portion 94 by clamping means NB. This tube is inclined downwardly and laterally towards the sealing head 26 and is provided with a vertical portion lll which telescopes with the upper end of a small tube vH8 which is disposed in a suitable opening in the head 26 and projects upwardly a substantial distance beyond the upper surface of the head. The fiat portion 29d on the lower end of plunger 21 provides clearance for. portion ll! of. member I I5. Vertical portion ill of member H5 is provided with an opening ll'la. which is closed by the telescoping portion of tube 8 when the sealing head 26 is in its uppermost position. At the extreme lower end of tube H8 a small outlet opening l l9 is provided at the lower surface or the head 26. The tube lid and the tube iii are provided with a continuous passageway l20 which communicates at its upper end with the passageway lllb formed in the housing 94. When the opening H9 is exposed and the'valve piston 91 is in the position indicated in Figure 9, steam will escape from chamber Illa, through passage lllb, through passage l2!) and to the atmospherethrough opening ll9. This will also happen if opening la is uncovered but this will not happen until seallng head 26 is moved downwardly. Thus, the valve piston 91 will remain in such position. However, as soon as the opening H9 is closed by movement oi the cap 5 into association with the sealing head, as shown in Figure 10, pressure will be built up in the chamber lilo and will force the valve piston 91! to the left, as shown in Figure 10. This will actuate the piston valve 82 and the piston 69, as previously described, and will actuate the sealing head 26. The amount of steam entering chamber Illa is controlled by the needle valve 2b. When the sealing head 29 moves downwardly, the upper end of tube 8 slides relative to portion ill of tube H5 and will expose opening I lla as the sealing head nears its lowermost position. When the opening ll'la is uncovered,,the valve piston 91 will be returned to its original position shown in Figure 9 in the manner previously described. As soon as the cap 6 is moved from covering relationship with opening 9, this action will be aided. When sealing head 28 is again moved upwardly, opening ll'la will be closed.

, A drain 82a is provided for draining any condensate rrom bore 6i and this also acts as an exhaust to preclude a cushion of steam in the end of bore 6| from preventing member 82 from retmuing to the position shown in Figure 9.

Thus, when a cap moves into sealing position under the sealing head 26, the valve piston 91 is actuated which, in turn, actuates valve piston 82 and piston 69 in the-manner illustrated in Figure 10. This actuates the sealing wedge 49 and the sealing head 26.

The cap-feeding and applying unit 2 may be the-same as that disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 349,655.

When the conveyer moves a container beneath the cap-feeding unit 2, a cap will be applied loosely to the upper end of the container as described in my co-pendin application. The cap and container will be moved along until they pass beneath the sealing head 26. In order to lift the cap from the container before it reaches the sealin head 28 to be sure that the cap does not stick on the container, I provide a plate I65 which is supported beneath plate 9 and extends from the cap feed 2 to the sealing head 26 as shown in Figure 6. This plate I65 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets I66 which serve to lift the cap at intervals as the container is moved therebeneath towards the sealing head 26. The sealing head also has means associated therewith for lifting the cap slightly from the container. This means comprises a plurality of small magnets I14 (Figure 6) which are arranged in circumferentially spaced relationship and are of the same structure magnets I66. All the magnets ar of cylindrica form and are mounted in sockets formed in the head 26 or plate I65 which are of non-magnetic material. These 'sockets do not extend quite completely through the head 26 or plate I65. The upper end of each socket receives a cylindrical portion I16 of rubber which fits tightly therewithin and tends to hold the magnet in position.

As the container with the cap thereon moves beneath the sealing head 26, the forward edge of the cap will first be lifted by a magnet I14. Continued movement of the container will cause the magnets to act on the cap to hold it up against the lower surface of the member 26. Even with the cap in firm contact with the member 26, the skirt of the cap will still surround the upper end of the container so that it will be moved along with the container. However, the cap will be spaced sufficiently from the upper end of the container to permit steam to be injected therein.

bular electric heater I82. The heater I82 is of such a type that it will not be injured bymoisture and is connected to a suitable source ofpower by means of a suitable conduit. A flexible conduit I84 (Figures 3 and 5) is connected to the chamber I8I of one of the members I11. The chamber I8I of this member I11 is connected to the chamber I8I of the other member I11 by means of a telescoping tube I85. Thus, steam will be supplied to both of the members I11 regardless of their position of adjustment. The steam entering the chambers I8I will pass around the heaters I82 and will be dried by such heaters. This eliminates the necessity of providing a steam super-heater of the type disclosed in said copending application S. N. 314,299.

The steam lines I84 and SI are connected to steam supply control means disposed within housing 2I0 (Figure 5) supported by plate 9. This control means is the same as that disclosed in my co-pending application and is connected to a suitable source of steam supply.

From the preceding description, the operation of the entire machine will be well understood. The conveyer will be continuously driven and the plate 9 will be adjusted to the proper height above the conveyer depending upon the height of the containers to be sealed. The members I 11 will be properly adjusted relative to each other depending upon the diameter of the u per ends of the containers. The cap-feeding uni will be of a suitable type to handle caps of the correct size to When the cap moves over opening 9, the operation of the sealing head will be initiated in the manner previously described.

The means for injecting the steam into the upper end of the container comprises a pair of steam jet members I11 (Figure 5) which are provided with steam slots I18. The members I11 are in spaced parallel relationship and extend along the member 26. The members I11 are carried by arms I18c which are, in turn, carried by guide members I 18d (Figures 4 and 5). These guide members I18d are suitably mounted in guideways I'l8e on the bottom of plate 9. A screw member I18f has oppositely threaded portions engaging the members H811 and is carried by the plate 8 in such a manner that it will not move axially. It will be understood that by rotating screw I18) the distance between the members I11 may be adjusted.

Each of the members I11 has a longitudinally extending passageway I19 (Figure 5) which communicates with the outlet slot I 18. This passageway I19 is connected by means of a passageway I80 to a longitudinally extending tubular chamber m. This chamber IBI receives a hollow tube applied to the containers. The containers will be placed indiscriminately on the conveyer and will be moved beneath the units 2 and 3. As a container is moved beneath the unit 2, it will withdraw a cap from said unit in the manner described in my co-pending application. The container with a cap loosely thereon will then be moved beneath the sealing head 26. When the container moves beneath the head 26, the magnets serve to lift the cap against the head 26; However, the upper end of the container will still engage the skirt of the cap and will move it along therewith.

. As soon as the cap covers the opening I IS in head 26, the control valves will be actuated to supply steam to move the piston 69 to the right. Very little steam pressure will be required to operate the pilot valve 91. This will cause the piston rod 56 to move the sealing wedge 48 which will, in turn, force the sealing head 26 downwardly. This will force the cap onto the container, as previously indicated. Thus, as the container moves into and reaches sealing position, it will automatically actuate the sealing head unit, provided a cap is disposed on the upper end of the container. Before the cap is forced on the container, the cap is subjected to sterilizing fluid and the air in the upper end of the container is displaced by steam. Thisis accomplished by means of the steam jets I11 from which steam continuously issues.

In sealing the cap on the container, forcing of the gasket over the upper end of the container, in itself, serves to hold the cap on the container. However, the condensation of the steam in the container beneath the cap, which occurs immediately, produces a partial vacuum which is the main force serving to hold the cap on the container and which also aids in preventing spoilage of the contents of the container. The sealing occurs substantially simultaneously with the injection of the steam into the container and, consequently, the steam will not have much chance of escaping from the container before it is sealed. During the sealing operation, movement of the to their original positions. that low pressure steam can be employed for op- 7 may be of the type disclosed in Serial No. 314,299.

However, immediately after the sealing operation occurs, the container will again be moved along with the continuously moving conveyer and will tamer-sealing mechanism will not function if a container which has no cap thereon, passes there beneath.

'm the position indicated in Figure 12. Steam will also flow into inlet 920, through opening am into chamber 030, through opening 850, through passage '10 and finally through opening 880 into be moved away from sealing position. The con- The sealing head 26 will be moved downwardly sufllciently to force the cap downwardly into sealposition on a container. Then when spring it returns wedge 49 to its original position, the sealing head 26 will be moved upwardly by spring M. Then the sealed container will be moved along by the conveyer and the opening its will be exposed permitting the control valves to be returned It will also be noted crating the seg mechanism, since the wedge M will serve to multiply the force produced by movement of the piston 69. As previously ex-,

- plained, the extent of the downward movement of member it may be adjusted for a given heght oi container and the maximum pressure created an additional zero is added to each numeral. In

this instance, I do not employ a pilot valve equivalent to the valve it of Figures 9 and 10.

When the opening Met in the sealing head is not covered by the cap, as in Figure 11, the piston valve Mt will be to the right in the position indicated. Inlet did will be covered by the piston me while outlet tide will be exposed. Therefore, the piston cat will be in the position indicated in Figure 11. Steam will flow from the chamber but, through passage 80811, through inlet dim at the left-hand end of bore t i ii and through inlet tide at the right-hand end of bore did. It will exhaust from the left-hand end of bore tit through outlet tide, passage tied and exhaust opening 8m] associated with exhaust outlet 9 Ma. The steam in the right-hand end of bore 6m will exhaust through passage lilllb, passage i200 and through opening N90 to the atmosphere. Thus, the piston Md will remain in this position. However, when the opening N90 is covered by the cap, pressure will build up in the chamber at the right-hand end of bore Bill and will force the piston M to the left, as shown in Figure 12.

At this time opening HHla will also be closed. It will be understood that the pressure in the righthand end of bore Bill is greater than that in the other end because the outlet passageway ii Nib is closed while the outlet Ellie at the other end of bore Gill is still open. However, when the piston 82!! moves to the left, it eventually closes exhaust opening Site and outlet Silia and also closes opening SIM) and opens inlet 9l0. Then the steam will flow from chamber 800, throughpassage 800a, through passage Ollla and through inlet Billc and will continue to hold piston 820 the bore 800 and will force the piston 890 to the right. When the piston 89. reaches the position indicated in Figure 12, opening 890 will be connected by groove 90!! to passage 89041. 'This will permit steam to flow through passage 960a and passage i080 into the left-hand end of bore H0 and will tend to force piston 820 to the right. The sealing head moving downwardly will expose opening I Ililc and the sealed container will move away from the sealing head and opening 90 will be exposed, permitting piston 820 to be returned to the position indicated in Figure 11. Outlet Glue is so disposed in relation to piston 820 and inlet Bilib'that accidental travel of piston 820 to the left will close outlet title and pressure from inlet Glob will return piston 820 to the right. A drain 82011 is provided for any condensate that might be present in the bore Bill and this drain also serves as an exhaust opening.

It will be apparent that both forms of valve that I have provided a novel structure for imparting the desired movements to the sealing ill) head. This structure includes the reciprocable wedge structure and the control mechanism which embodies the vent that is covered each time a container with a cap thereon is moved into association with the sealing head.

Many other advantages not mentioned in connection with the preceding description will be apparent from the drawings and the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers comprising a support for a container, a sealing member adapted to be moved to force a cap on the container, a fluid-operated unit for moving said sealing member, a mechanical connection between said unit and said sealing memher, said mechanical connection serving to increase the pressure developed by said unit as it is applied to said sealing member, a valve for controlling the supply of fluid to said unit, and control means for actuating said valve, said control means including a fluid passageway connected to said valve and having an outlet associated with said sealing member adapted to be closed by a cap on a container moved into association with said sealing member.

2. Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers comprising a support for a container.

' trolling the supply of fluid to said unit from a main pressure source, and control means for actuating said valve, said control means including a fluid passageway connected to said valve and having an outlet associated-with said sealing means, said outlet normally permitting escape of fluid from said valve but being adapted to be covered by a cap on a container moved into association with said sealing means so as to buildup pressure within said passageway to actuate said valve.

3. Apparatus according to claim.2 wherein a pilot valve is connected to said passageway and to said main pressure source and controls the supply 01' fluid to said valve.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the control means also includes means under the control of said cylinder and piston unit for returning said valve to its original position when said sealing means is moved.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said control means also includes a pilot valve connected to said passageway and to said main pressure source and controls the supply of fluid to said valve and means under the control of said cylinder and piston unit for returning said firstnamed valve to its original position when said sealing means is moved.

6. Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers having caps loosely applied thereto comprising a support for a container, a sealing head associated with said support, a fluid-operated cylinder and piston unit for moving said sealing head and container relative to each other to force a cap on the container, a valve for controlling the supply of fluid to said unit from a main pressure source, control means for actuating said valve, said control means including a conduit connected to said valve and having an outlet associated with said sealing head, said outlet normally permitting escape of fluid from said valve but being adapted to be covered by a cap on a container moved into association with said sealing head so as to build up pressure within said conduit to actuate said valve, and means associated with said sealing head for lifting the cap from the container into covering relationship to said outlet.

'7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said control means includes means under the control of movement of said cylinder andv piston unit for returning said valve to its original position when said sealing head is moved.

8. Apparatus oi the type described iorsealing containers having caps loosely applied thereto comprising a support for the container, a sealing head associated with said support and adapted to be moved downwardly to force a cap on the container, a fluid-operated cylinder and piston unit for moving said sealing head downwardly, a valve for controlling the supply of fluid to said unit from a main pressure source, control means for actuating said valve, said control means including a pilot valve connected to said first-named valve and to said source 01' pressure, a telescoping tube connected to said pilot valve and to said sealing head and having an outlet associated with said sealing head, said outlet normally permitting escape of fluid from said valve but being adapted to be covered by a cap on a container moved into association with said sealing head so as to build up pressure within said conduit to actuate saidpilot valve, and means associated with said sealing head for lifting the cap from the container into covering relationship tosaid outlet.

9. A structure according to claim 8 wherein the telescoping tube is provided with an aperture which is uncovered upon downward movement of the sealing head to permit return of said pilot valve to its original position. i

10. A structure according to claim 2 wherein said passageway is provided with an additional outlet which is opened upon operation of said sealing means.

HARRY E. STOVER. 

